The early inhabitants of the Upemba depression, the Democratic Republic of Congo

Includes bibliographical references.This research set out to shed light on the contradiction between the archaeological evidence pointing towards cultural continuity and the Luba’s rejection of ancestral relationships with the human skeletal remains found in the Upemba Depression of Central Katanga, the Democratic Republic of Congo. This was done by assessing the biological variation of the human skeletal remains of the early inhabitants from the Upemba Depression in the southeast of the Katanga Province (DRC) by using metric and non-metric dental morphological traits. Dental analyses of these Iron Age people have revealed homogeneity between the sexes, time periods and sites in Central Katanga. This is in contrast with the oral history from the Luba, who believe that the Iron Age remains are of their enemies who came from the northeast. In support of the archaeology, the dental morphological results from the current research have confirmed that present-day Luba people can trace their origins in Central Katanga as far back as AD 700.The analysis of patterns of dental disease, carbon, nitrogen and oxygen stable isotopes as well as phytoliths demonstrate that the diets and behaviours varied amongst these Iron Age communities. This may have been related to differences in food preparation and hygiene

The transformation of masculinity in contemporary black South African novels

A thesis submitted to the Faculty of Humanities, University of the Witwatersrand, in fulfilment of the requirements of degree of Doctor of Philosophy Johannesburg, 2015The ways in which we have come to know the world through expressions and performances of dominant versions of masculine and feminine gendered identities is challenged, refracted and altered on a daily basis through social interactions. This work situates itself within the various spheres of dominant masculinity production such as neo-traditional African cultural practices, sexuality, the family unit, race and class, as well as other contributory factors such as migration and lack of social advancement opportunities. Through the use of the novelistic genre, this work examines how contemporary black South African novels of English expression engage with the production of dominant masculinity, in order to critique the taken-for-granted access by dominant men to social power over other men, women and children. Not only does this study concern itself with the extent to which core elements of dominant masculinities are being transformed, it tracks transformation in literary figurations of men, and is interested in the alternative masculine identities that these novels proffer. This works’ search for alternative identities is predicated on the primacy of a symbiotic relationship between strategies of self re-presentation, personal agency and the power of social structures. This study concludes that the central codes of contemporary dominant black masculinities are forced to change because their legitimising narratives are put under scrutiny. Fluctuating social, political and economic factors also mediate their constant breakdown and recreation. However, the development of the alternative gendered identities imagined in these novels is thwarted by the prevailing socio-cultural practices of the contemporary era

An assessment of the health status by non-specific stress indicators in early farming populations from central and southern Africa

The adoption of an agricultural lifestyle had profound implications for nutritional ecology, health and behaviour of human populations. The goal of this project was to generate information about the health status and disease patterns of early farming populations from central and southern Africa. Skeletal material was obtained from various 'Iron Age' sites in South Africa, Ingombe Ilede from Zambia, and Sanga and Katoto from the Democratic Republic of Congo. Palaeopathological analyses was done through the examination of non-specific stress indicators that included cribra orbitalia/porotic hyperostosis, Harris lines, linear enamel hypoplasias, subperiosteal bone lesions and dental diseases. The evidence from palaeopathology indicated that the environments played a major role in causing differences observed at micro-scale level. It is suggested that the health problems of these agricultural peoples are a result of their sedentary lifestyle and aggregation, which promoted maintenance and spread of infectious diseases; as well as high carbohydrate diets and dependence on a few main foodstuffs that affected their iron levels. The individuals from the forest region were less healthy than those in the dry or wet savanna zones. Also, the impact of the stress experienced by these societies was not sufficient to cause stunted growth and thus did not affect their terminal heights. The complex relationship between the environment, socio-cultural factors and biology has shown that subsistence economy only influences a fraction of human behaviour, health and well being. The results of this study argue that generalisations about prehistoric farming peoples cannot be made, until further research work is done

The Promise.

No Abstract

A practitioner's enquiry into the benefits of social networking services in the teaching and learning of Business Studies at a particular high school in Eswatini.

Masters Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.Teaching and learning environments have been transmuted by web 2.0 tools with no resistance. We understand Web 2.0 tools as online collaborations in which internet visitors share information through social networks. The benefits achieved in using social networks in teaching and learning were development of critical thinking, confidence, independence, deep engagement, global awareness, development of problem solving skills, promoting growth towards creativity and innovation in learners. From a technical point of view, social networks are applications stored in common electronic devices such as desktops, laptops, or cellular phones. They are web-based application systems with which people connect based on shared common interests, where such common interests can be academic, business oriented, professional, personal, or social. The benefits we achieve and enjoy as a result of using social networks (collections of tools and facilities) and social networking principles (the practice of using social networks) are referred to as social networking services. Generally, social networking services prevalently allow individuals to construct public profiles within bounded systems, articulate other users with whom to share connections, and traverse connections with them. Use of social networking services has become more popular with learners in recent years. The world is experiencing an increased demand for smartphones, enabling holders to access the internet anytime anywhere. People are often and always connected online through various social networking services. Educators, parents and learners are not an exception, depicting citizens who are connected. The purpose of this research is to investigate mechanism in which the benefits of social networking services can be integrated into the teaching and learning of Business studies at a particular school in Eswatini. A mixed methodology in which both qualitative and quantitative data sought was used. A total of one hundred and thirty three learners were randomly selected as participants of the practitioner’s enquiry. These learners were from Forms 1, 2, and 3 classes. A questionnaire was administered to gather relevant data pertaining to learners’ perceptions of the envisioned benefits and how social networking services could be integrated into teaching and learning. Generally, the study gathered that, although ignorant at the time of data collection, most learners were convinced that integration of social networking services in teaching and learning endeavours would encourage deep learning, foster engagement, enhance collaboration, and v infuse creativity. The study ascertains possibilities of successful awareness campaigns in which the values of social networking services for collaborated scholarly purposes are preached. The value of this study was also noted to the teachers, parents, schools, the ministry of education, and the community at large. Precisely, the study provides a creative strategy for shifting the purpose of social networking services in learners, from social based values to more effective teaching and learning endeavours. The recommendations made are aligned to the views purported in Pavlov’s classical conditioning theory, suggesting that – repeated attempts to shift learners’ interest when they are online would, one day, yield positive outcomes with communal benefits. To the best of my knowledge, this is a creative and innovative strategy for integrating social networking services into teaching and learning contexts

Power, sexuality and subversion in Lutsango and Siswati traditional wedding songs

I. ABSTRACT As a critical field, Anthropology aims to study humankind in all its diversity: past, present and future, physical, psychological, cultural and social, etc. Lienhardt (1967: 1) says, social anthropology “is connected with older and more familiar subjects, particularly with history and sociology, and cannot be neatly distinguished from them”. However, Anthropology has come a long way since the 19th century when the story of modern anthropology begun. During this period, the notion for human progress became the guiding light for anthropological thought. The early anthropological school of this thought contributed to the notion of racial superiority as one can notice that it was around this time that the theory of racial determinism was proposed to account for the differences among various cultures. The differences among people, according to this theory, were attributable mainly to their varying racial background e.g., the Hottentots were considered one-step above the apes. South Africa has a legacy of polarised racial communities that still affect Africa not much less than the other continents with which Africa may be identified. Many of the political, social and economic patterns, structures and attitudes of racism that characterised the apartheid era continue to shape many of the experiences of life in South Africa today. One cannot pretend that racial discrimination, racial prejudice, racial stereotypes, xenophobia and other forms of racism no longer characterise the South African society. Despite rapid progress in race relations and the introduction of positive nondiscrimination and equity legislation in political level, a more systematic programme is required to transform race relations in ordinary people

Toxicological analysis of South African paraffin.

Thesis (M.Sc.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2007.There is little information available on the relationship between the chemical composition and toxicity of South African paraffin. The aim of this study was therefore to determine an association, if any, between the chemical composition and toxicity of South African paraffin. The objectives were to analyze the chemical composition and potential toxicity of paraffin using an A549 lung cell line. There were two phases to the study. In the first phase of the study the chemical composition of seven (7) paraffin samples was tested at accredited InterTek Testing Services (ITS) according to SABS protocol. In the second phase of the study toxicology studies were conducted using the MTI and Annexin assays to establish the toxicity of the samples. The experiments included dissolving paraffm in a constant volume of ethanol. Results of the chemical analysis of paraffin from local refineries indicated that the major components were aliphatic hydrocarbons (>75%, v/v), olefins (1-8%, v/v), aromatics (1-20%, v/v) and sulphur «0.1%, v/v). Cytotoxicity tests indicated that there were significant (p<0.001) differences in the level of toxicity of the paraffin samples. The chemical composition or formulation was the single most important factor, which determined the degree of toxicity. The toxicity of paraffin dissolved in ethanol was significantly (p<0.001) more toxic when compared to that of undissolved paraffin. Paraffin samples also induced apoptosis and necrosis. It is therefore recommended that the chemical composition of paraffin must be standardized to a consistent less toxic product to ensure the safety of the South African public

The Expanded Programme on Immunisation in South Africa: A story yet to be told

During the past two decades, immunisation has saved millions of lives and prevented countless illnesses and disabilities in South Africa(SA). However, vaccine-preventable diseases are still a threat. A vaccine-preventable disease that might lead to a 1- or 2-week illness in anadult, could prove deadly for infants, children or elderly people. Vaccination protects oneself and one’s family. For example, adults are themost common source of pertussis (whooping cough) infection in infants, which can be deadly for the latter. This article demonstrates thecommitment of the SA government to immunisation, highlights key milestones of the Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI) anddispels the myth that the EPI in SA is in shambles

Process evaluation of peer-to-peer delivery of HIV self-testing and sexual health information to support HIV prevention among youth in rural KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa: qualitative analysis

OBJECTIVE: Peer-to-peer (PTP) HIV self-testing (HIVST) distribution models can increase uptake of HIV testing and potentially create demand for HIV treatment and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). We describe the acceptability and experiences of young women and men participating in a cluster randomised trial of PTP HIVST distribution and antiretroviral/PrEP promotion in rural KwaZulu-Natal. METHODS: Between March and September 2019, 24 pairs of trained peer navigators were randomised to two approaches to distribute HIVST packs (kits+HIV prevention information): incentivised-peer-networks where peer-age friends distributed packs within their social network for a small incentive, or direct distribution where peer navigators distributed HIVST packs directly. Standard-of-care peer navigators distributed information without HIVST kits. For the process evaluation, we conducted semi-structured interviews with purposively sampled young women (n=30) and men (n=15) aged 18-29 years from all arms. Qualitative data were transcribed, translated, coded manually and thematically analysed using an interpretivist approach. RESULTS: Overall, PTP approaches were acceptable and valued by young people. Participants were comfortable sharing sexual health issues they would not share with adults. Coupled with HIVST, peer (friends) support facilitated HIV testing and solidarity for HIV status disclosure and treatment. However, some young people showed limited interest in other sexual health information provided. Some young people were wary of receiving health information from friends perceived as non-professionals while others avoided sharing personal issues with peer navigators from their community. Referral slips and youth-friendly clinics were facilitators to PrEP uptake. Family disapproval, limited information, daily pills and perceived risks were major barriers to PrEP uptake. CONCLUSION: Both professional (peer navigators) and social network (friends) approaches were acceptable methods to receive HIVST and sexual health information. Doubts about the professionalism of friends and overly exclusive focus on HIVST information materials may in part explain why HIVST kits, without peer navigators support, did not create demand for PrEP

Domesticity and masculinities in Zukiswa Wanner’s ‘The Madams and Behind Every Successful Man’

Zukiswa Wanner’s The Madams (2006) and Behind Every Successful Man (2008) grapple with the contradictory mess and incompleteness of black middleclass masculine and feminine subjectivities within the ‘post-apartheid’ South African nuclear family. These seemingly polarised positions are constructed and steeped within the unstable modern nuclear family and neo-traditional values. This articles’ discussion of the novels is foregrounded on the domestic as a site and an ideology that manufactures, shapes and regiments sexuality and subjectivity construction and gender performances in both males and females. It suggests that the relationship between class, consumerism and pseudo-African values play a significant role in the back and forth transformation of black masculinities and femininities.Keywords: Masculinities; femininities, Middleclass; domesticity, cultur